BORIS JOHNSON has accused the government of putting pressure on "senior businesspeople" to back Remain in exchange for honours and contracts.

The former mayor of London claims it is "well-known" there is an operation being run out of Downing Street to lean on prominent figures whose opinions are likely to sway undecided voters.

The Tory MP praised the "heroism" of figures like JCB chief Anthony Bamford and James Dyson for speaking out in favour of leaving the EU.

He told Nick Ferrari on LBC: "Everyone has an interest in keeping friendly with the government.

"I do not wish to be disparaging or critical of my friends in Government but it is well-known that there is an operation in Downing Street.

"And you will get a call from certain gentlemen… and they will say ‘look, you know, we want to continue to have contracts with you, it’s very important that we want to continue friendly relationships’.

He said: "I played my best years at my boyhood club, Manchester United. I grew up with a core group of young British players that included Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville Brothers. Added to that was an experienced group of older British players such as Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce and Paul Ince.

"Now, that team might have gone on to win trophies but we were a better and more successful team because of a Danish goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel, the leadership of an Irishman Roy Keane and the skill of a Frenchman in Eric Cantona.

"I was also privileged to play and live in Madrid, Milan and Paris with teammates from all around Europe and the world.

"Those great European cities and their passionate fans welcomed me and my family and gave us the opportunity to enjoy their unique and inspiring cultures and people."